Doug Radford, Regional Developer, Realty Executives New Jersey Region
When it comes to selling your home, hiring the right Realtor® can make all the difference in achieving a successful and stress-free sale. A good Realtor® can provide you with valuable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the entire process. However, not all Realtors® are created equal, and it's essential to ask the right questions before hiring one. In this blog, I’ll discuss the most important questions that every home seller should ask their Realtor® to ensure they are making an informed decision and getting the best possible representation.
Here are a few questions that a home seller should ask before hiring a Realtor®:
What experience do you have in the real estate industry?
It is essential to know the level of experience a Realtor® has in the industry to ensure that they are qualified to handle the sale of your home. Ask how long they have been in the industry, how many homes they have sold locally, and their success rate in closing deals.
What is your marketing strategy for selling my home?
A good Realtor® should have a solid marketing plan that will help your home stand out in the market. Ask about their approach to advertising and how they plan to market your property to potential buyers. This should include things like online listings, professional photography, open houses, and social media campaigns. And do you have a marketing support team to design and properly place the ads.
Who will be handling the inquiries that come in on my home?
With the right marketing plan, buyers will be inquiring about your home. You want to be sure that the brokerage your Realtor® works for gives all online and call in inquiries directly to your listing agent. Many companies give all inquiries to brand new licensees who do not have the experience to properly sell your home. Noone knows your home better and has more motivation to get your home sold than your listing agent.
What is your commission rate?
Realtors typically earn a commission of 5-6% on the sale of a home, so it's important to know how much you'll be paying before you sign any agreements. Ask about their commission rate and if there are any additional fees you should be aware of. Remember that the best Realtors® will get you the highest and best price for your home. If they can’t negotiate a fair commission for themselves, they probably won’t be a good negotiator for you.
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Selling a home can be a complicated and stressful process, so it's important to have a Realtor® who will keep you informed and up-to-date throughout the process. Ask about their communication style and how often they will provide updates on the status of your sale. If you call your Realtor® and they do not pick up or their voicemail is full, this could be an indication of things to come.
Can you provide references from past clients?
Finally, it's important to get feedback from past clients to help you make an informed decision. Ask for references from previous clients and contact them to learn about their experience working with the Realtor®. This will give you valuable insights into their professionalism, communication skills, and success in selling homes.
In conclusion, selling your home is a significant transaction that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Choosing the right Realtor® can make all the difference in achieving a successful sale and maximizing your return on investment. By asking these five key questions, you can gain a better understanding of a Realtor's qualifications, experience, and approach to selling homes. Ultimately, the right Realtor® will work tirelessly to ensure that you get the best possible outcome and have a positive selling experience
